The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has dismissed the president and secretary general of the Society of Aircraft Engineers of Pakistan (SAEP) amid an escalating standoff that has disrupted flight operations. A notification confirmed that SAEP President Abdullah Jadoon and Secretary General Awais Jadoon were removed from service after failing to appear for scheduled personal hearings before the airline’s CEO on November 4 and 5. The action, taken under PIA’s regulations, followed inquiries launched last year against the two officials.
The dismissals came as PIA engineers continued protests over workplace conditions, pay disputes, and aircraft safety concerns. The engineers have accused the administration of ignoring repeated warnings about maintenance issues and pressuring staff to approve planes with technical problems. Awais Jadoon said the union would challenge the decision in court, insisting the terminations were retaliation for raising legitimate safety concerns. He added that engineers were committed to ensuring flight safety and would not compromise on technical standards.
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The dispute has already caused significant flight delays and disruptions, particularly in Karachi, as engineers halted the issuance of safety clearances for several aircraft. The protest, ongoing for over two months, has included workers wearing black armbands and refusing to service planes until their demands are met. Sources said the engineers have not received a pay raise in eight years, while a shortage of spare parts has compounded maintenance challenges, forcing frequent grounding of planes and leaving passengers stranded.
PIA’s management, however, has defended its decision, stating that the engineers’ actions violate operational laws. A spokesperson for the national carrier said the SAEP had no legal recognition and accused it of attempting to “sabotage the airline’s privatisation process.” The official said the Pakistan Essential Services (Maintenance) Act, 1952, prohibits strikes and walkouts in essential services, warning that any employee involved in disrupting operations will face legal and disciplinary consequences.
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Meanwhile, the PIA CEO has directed strict enforcement of internal regulations to maintain flight operations and prevent further disruptions. He emphasized that any attempt to use “safety concerns” as leverage in the labour dispute would not be tolerated. Despite the administration’s stance, the engineers’ union remains firm, vowing to continue its protest until management opens negotiations and addresses their grievances over pay, working conditions, and safety compliance.